Maintaining the car means to inspect the condition and replacing the components which are worn out or needed to be changed. One common task in maintaining a car is by inspecting the windshield wipers.
Windshield wiper is a device used to wipe out rain and dirt from the windshield. With this device, drivers do have an unobstructed view of the road. Most automobiles do have this equipment for safety purposes and also for abiding legal requirements. Car safety is vital for drivers, and 90% of performing the proper way of driving depends on the visibility of the road. So it is very important to provide a clean windshield and a reliable windshield wiper.
An average motorist replaces their windshield wipers blades once every three years but most experts recommend it to be replaced once a year. The conditions that may appear for us to replace the wiper blades are streaking, chattering and noisy wipers operation. Chattering and streaking may cause radial streaks on the windshield, while noise may be a sign that some wiper elements are deformed or worn out.
Any motorist should not wait until all these symptoms occur. With just the first sign of trouble, it is recommended to be changed. Being lenient in inspecting the wipers may prove to be risky. Metal blades holder can permanently scratch the windshield if it rubs against the glass.
In maintaining windshield wipers, we have two options. One is by replacing only the squeegees or the rubber wiping components or to replace the entire blade which is the complete assembly which is composed of the metal frame and the squeegees.
Here's a link that will help everyone in replacing wiper blades. http://www.ehow.com/video_107_replace-windshield-wiper.html .
The STS (Seville Touring Sedan) is a luxury car sold by Cadillac. It is a full size luxury performance sedan which debuted for the 2005 model year replacing the Cadillac Seville.
The Cadillac STS is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 6 trims, ranging from the V6 to the V8 Premium Luxury Performance. It has been significantly updated for the year 2008. It now offers the latest in computerized engine management and provides smooth and efficient power.
"The V6 is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 302-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. The V8 Premium Luxury Performance is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 320-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims." Reviewers agree that the 2008 Cadillac STS' performance is vastly improved.
The exterior was upgraded with a modified grille and chrome touches. The overall appearance became sportier and better proportioned.
The Audio/Navigation Systems is a standard feature on the STS V6 Luxury as well as the DVD-based navigation system has a lot of features but is simple to use. A sporty new steering wheel looks and feels better. Most reviewers like the STS' seats, noting that they provide a good blend of sportiness without sacrificing comfort.
Safety features include antilock disc brakes; stability control and a full complement of airbags are standard on every Cadillac STS. The airbags include front-seat side and full-length side curtains.
The Cadillac STS finally competes with other sedans in terms of luxury.
The 1974 model year Dodge was completely redesigned with an all-new unibody platform and all-new sheet metal. A bit of trivia for you, this car was used in "The Blues Brothers". Although theirs supposedly had the 440 in it. It's got a bigger exposure than most of the people in the movie. To those who have seen the movie countless times, it had slight differences, with cop tires, suspension, and shocks. The car falls apart in the end, but anyone would find it hard to get a vehicle that could survive that intense mission in the movie.
During most of its time as a C-body, the Dodge Monaco was considered too luxurious for use as a police car, so prior to 1974 C-body Dodge squads were almost always Polaras. The Polara was dropped after the 1973 model year, replaced by a low-trim-level Monaco. The 2-barrel carburetor on the V-8 360 has helped keep the mileage above 10 MPG. This is amazing for a car of this size and age.
This car has the most room I've ever seen. It rides like a dream. Never before have I had such a smooth ride. I was a big fan of the styling of the 1971-74 General Motors cars, especially the bubble rear window on the 4 door hardtops. This car is a very heavy land yacht, and it rides like a sled. It has an extremely comfortable interior that is very large and roomy. One disappointing change for 1974 was the deletion of the temperature gauge as standard equipment.
The design of the A8 GCS Berlina Touring's purpose is to modernize one particularly famous Maserati, the A6 Pininfarina. The A8GCS is designed by the young Belgian designer Louis de Fabribeckers. Its design study was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este together with Touring's other Maserati concept, the Quattroporte-based Bellagio Fastback. The compact coupe was definitely one of this year's 2008 Concorso d'Eleganza's main attractions. But production possibilities are so minimal, and would be available only in very limited numbers.
The A8GCS is based on the Maserati Coupe GranSport and shares the engine and the transmission with the Maserati GranTurismo. The designers studied and designed a body in advanced composite materials, that was able to give the car lightness and performance same as the Grand Turismo. The Touring concept presents a compelling mix of modern design and retro touches.
A8GCS Berlina Touring represents the high performance sports car concept, with small dimensions, and perfect stylish design. As the Maserati's typical design, it has a great grid at the front that contains its headlights set. The sporty look of the car is stressed out by the combination of its bonnet and front grille.
I just don't like the design of these wire wheels, for me it's so lame, but everything else is awesome. They could have designed a one piece forged wheel, because a wire wheel for me doesn't look good in large diameter.
Yet, the wires aren't bad enough to turn me off to see the beauty that lies in this car. This car is absolutely stunning. This is indeed a work of art and beauty.
Last year, Swedish automaker started the celebration of their 80th anniversary. Of course, the history of the Swedish automaker known for safe vehicles will never be left out. Thus, the very first vehicle manufactured by the automaker is being honored by one of today's most celebrated hot rod designers.
The Auto Channel reported that Leif Tufvesson and his company, Caresto has labored for months to create a hot rod which will pay homage to the first vehicle manufactured by Volvo. That said vehicle has been named Jakob although it was officially named the OV4 with the OV corresponding to the Swedish abbreviation for Open Car.
Anyway, Leif said that Volvo has always had a place in his heart that's why he has pushed through with the creation of a hot rod based on Jakob. "Volvo has always been a special make for me," said Leif. "These were the cars I learned my skills on in my youth, and I also worked for a while at Volvo's concept-car department. So instead of obtaining inspiration from an old Ford, as is usually the case in Hot Rod circles, I wanted to build something that meant more to me personally. That's why I chose to bring together the most classic attributes of Volvo, the Jakob, and my own modern Hot Rod style."
And when the hot rod was completed, Volvo is utterly impressed with it that it will be unveiled at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden after embarking on a tour which will cover the Nordic region and the United States.
The similarity between the original Jakob and the hot rod is striking according to the report. This is not really surprising as Leif and his team has spent months studying the original Jakob. I think this is a really good way to pay homage to Jakob and I'm sure that the hot rod is equipped with auto parts as durable as Acura fuel pumps.
The Geneva Motor Show is just around the corner and already, automakers are whetting our appetite with photos of vehicles they would unveil at the prestigious event. Recently, The Auto Channel published a photo of the Mitsubishi Prototype-S which will be unveiled in Geneva next month.
One look at it and you would easily see its resemblance to the 2005 Mitsubishi Sportback concept car. The grille and the overall profile of the Prototype-S is similar to that of the Sportback.
One styling cue that screams at you is the jet fighter nose. That gaping hole-like in the nose looks very much like the ones on jet fighters of old. The Prototype-S styling of the grille though is not similar to that of the Sportback as it has been modified for the new concept car.
The bonnet is not taken from the Sportback concept. Instead, it bears resemblance to the hood on the Lancer Evolution X, the EVO as we call it. The hood gives the Prototype-S an aggressive stance which makes it look like a race-prepped car ready to spring into action at any given moment.
At the back, Mitsubishi improved on the Sportback by giving the Prototype-S a sportier stance. The rear of the car looks wider thanks to its tail lights which hugs the side of the car.
Naturally, auto enthusiasts would have to wait for a long time before they can get their hands on this Mitsubishi road rocket. I am expecting that it will not only look like a fast car but will also be really a fast car. With Mitsubishi's penchant for producing high-performance cars, I would expect this Prototype-S to easily overtake any Acura equipped with a cold air intake.
Greatest family cars - what does it take to be the best and the greatest family vehicle for this year? Does a condenser count? Well, leave the decision making to Mother Proof - a dedicated website helping mothers and women navigate the automotive industry. Yesterday, they declared the winners of this year's Top family Cars at TheAutoChannel.com. Check it out!
"There are countless family-friendly vehicle options on the market today, offering families a combination of style and features. Our goal is to help women, and moms in particular, evaluate the options best suited for their unique needs. Our awards are unique in that evaluations are based on our own experiences with test vehicles - taking our kids to school, loading up groceries for the week, commuting, even heading out for date night. We put each car to the test the way real families use them in their daily lives," says chief mother Kristin Varela.
According to the news, the Mother Proof Awards identify a number of the finest new vehicles in the market which were launched two years ago.
Category Includes:
- Awards include Top Minivan
- Top Three-Row SUV or Crossover
- Top Two-Row SUV or Crossover
- Top Wagon or Hatch
- Top Sedan, Top Car Just for Fun
- Top Overall Value
- Top Hybrid
- Top Latch Connectors
"Often when people think 'family car,' they think only of the minivan," Varela said. "While that's a great selection for many people, moms no longer need to limit themselves to the van. The Mother Proof awards showcase a wide range of vehicle types and body styles, all well-appointed for families."
Varela also said that the team at Mother Proof congratulates the 2008 batch of winners for keeping families front and center in their designs. "All of these vehicles represent the best of the best for families and offer the complete package of safety, style and convenient features for families on the go," says Varela.
2008 Mother Proof Award Winners:
Minivan: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
SUV/Crossover (three rows): 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
Runner-Up: 2008 Mazda CX-9
SUV/Crossover (two rows): 2008 Mazda CX-7
Runner-Up: 2008 Mercedes M-Class
Wagon/Hatch: 2008 Volvo XC70
Runner-Up: 2008 Honda Fit
Sedan: 2008 Chevy Malibu
Hybrid: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Runner-Up: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Just for Fun: 2008 Volvo C30
Top Overall Value: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
Best Latch Connectors: Mini Cooper
"This year's Mother Spoof award may be surprising because in terms of safety and family-friendly design, Volvo is known for getting it right. However, we've found that the Latch connectors in their models are much more difficult to use than any others we put to the test. This is an issue we have brought to the manufacturer's attention in previous reviews and hope to see improvements in down the road," Varela concluded.
I will not make this too hard for you. This is just a simple memory game. And remember: You will get a prize if you win this one.
Let us begin.
Can you enumerate the seven environmental principles? The ones taught by your environmentalist (turned child psychologist) professor in Environmental Science?
Okay, okay. Before your head cracks out of too much pressure, let me answer for you. These are very basic things, you know. The seven environmental principles courtesy of Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) state that:
- Nature knows best.
- All forms of life are important.
- Everything is connected to everything else.
- Everything changes.
- Everything must go somewhere.
- Ours is a finite earth.
- Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God's creation.
In the advent of concept cars, hybrid cars, flex-fuel vehicles, water-powered cars and other car innovations that aim to promote environment preservation, did you know that even the toy industry now joined the crusade?
In
AutoChannel yesterday, Corgi International, one of the leading listed toy manufacturers worldwide announced that its H2GO hydrogen-powered radio controlled toy car bagged the 2008 Toy Award in the Electronics and Technology category. The H2Go was selected among 24 products nominated in eight categories for the said award intended for innovative products.
According to
gizmag.com, the H2Go uses zero-emissions energy technology powered by an on-board hydrogen fuel cell system that utilizes only water and solar energy. It comes with a kit containing the RC car, a remote control unit, a fuel station and a solar cell panel. Professor Luigi Colani designed the car using recyclable materials such as wheat, thus making it a certified eco-friendly toy car.
Chief Executive Officer of Corgi International received the award, saying, "We are delighted about the great trust placed in our H2GO. The H2Go is not just a radio-controlled car featuring new technology but also a symbol of the toy industry's impending adjustment to a future powered by clean energy."
Meanwhile, a toy collector at
shinyshiny.com said, "Remote control toys have always been a passion of mine, but inevitably they really aren't that eco-friendly as the faster models work on gasoline, which causes environmental damage. Well, hopefully the next gen of remote control toys will be greener as Corgi in conjunction with Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies have created a toy that works with renewable clean energy."
Certainly, the seven environmental principles if applied in all aspects of the auto industry (not only in toy cars) would surely
mirror a healthy, happy and balanced environment.
I cannot wait to drive a real H2Go car!
By the way, since you lost the game, I get the prize.
I am sure that if you are looking for a car to buy, you would go for that vehicle which provides good performance, cool interior, reasonable price, exemplary safety features and other things. Well, if you put more weight on a vehicle's performance, then you might like the new MazdaSpeed3.
According to The Auto Channel's Steve Purdy, the MazdaSpeed3 is one of those vehicles which the younger generation of auto enthusiasts would love. Although it is not as iconic as the Mustang or the Camaro, this little wagon is good for those young professionals who want fast and cool looking cars.
Steve Purdy should know what he is talking about, after all, he has taken it for a spin, and by the way he described his test drive of the MazdaSpeed3, it looks as if it is more than a spin.
First off, the bare essentials: "The MazdaSpeed3 is the 5-door little wagon with a 263-horsepower, turbo-charged, intercooled, direct injection version of the trusty 2.3-liter 4-banger - the same engine as the MazdaSpeed6. Making an amazing 280 pound-feet of torque and mated to a slick 6-speed manual transmission it goes like scat," writes Purdy.
And then, the power: "At highway speeds, say 80 or so, we punch it in 6th gear and get a surprising amount of grunt going. We could get to triple digits in no time if we dared. From 3 to about 5,500 on the tach it’s a rocket." And this wagon is doing it without performance enhancing parts which makes ordinary cars go as fast as an Acura complete with high quality control arms.
And on the inside: "Inside, the special leather and cloth seats fit this big guy well. The carpeted floor mats and seat backs are emblazoned with the MazdaSpeed3 logo and the red stitching around the seats, steering wheel and shift boot add a touch of cool." Now, that's what I would call a really cool ride, even if it’s a wagon.
Tying the knot could be pretty expensive. No matter how you try to tone down your expenditures, you'll still end up shelling out quite an amount. It's a good thing if you're going to have someone who's going to shoulder all the things you'll need for that special day.
Dodge has decided that one of the best things to do to give back to their consumers would be to hold the contest dubbed as "Journey of a Lifetime". Those interested couples from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Kentucky had the chance to register online. They had to answer one question: "Why should Dodge select you to start your 'Journey' of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2008?" and they had to send in their photo. The lucky couple was Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner.
And what do this couple get? Not just a pair of doors but actually a new 2009 Dodge Journey unit. The couple also gets to tie the knot with Dodge shouldering all the expenses. Just in time for the day of love this February.
A hundred of the couple's guests (friends and family included) would be there to share their special moment and this would be happening at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. There would be a band and they would then be presented with their vehicle.
Rohner is ecstatic and he said, "We are so excited to get married at the auto show! Just like Dodge, Blake and I are an adventurous couple who 'grab life,' so this is an awesome opportunity that fits perfectly with how we live our lives. We are equally as excited about the all-new Dodge Journey, which will help us start our journey together."
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